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Classical Conditioning

Essex County Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

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A dog walking on a leash after finishing a classical conditioning dog training in Essex County, MA.

Dog Training Techniques

Classical Conditioning Dog Training in Essex County, MA

Classical conditioning is a learning process also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. Discovered by Russian physiologist Ivan Pavlov, classical conditioning involves developing automatic reflexes to specific conditions. This leads to creating behaviors.

Pavlov is considered to be the father of “classical conditioning.” As a matter of fact, he originally tested his theory using dogs. In an experiment, Pavlov observed dogs began to salivate not just when they received food, but when the people associated with feeding them arrived. Pavlov began to ring a bell when the dogs were presented with food. Over time, the dogs learned to associate the sound of the bell ringing with food. Their mouths would salivate whenever the bell rang.

Dog Training Elite North Shore dog training techniques are based on classical conditioning dog training in Essex County, MA to help your dog achieve deep-rooted obedience. Working with a Dog Training Elite North Shore trainer , your dog will become conditioned and develop those “automatic reflexes” to commands such as sit, down, heel, break, and more.

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Dog Training Elite North Shore

Training With An E-Collar

Dog Training Elite North Shore NEVER uses punishments like shock collars to train dogs out of bad behavior. Dog Training Elite in Essex County, MA does make use of an electronic collar. The use of an electronic collar is vastly different in two main ways.

The electric collar does not shock your dog. Instead, it generates a gentle electronic pulse, similar to the tug of a leash.
The electronic collar is never used to punish a dog. It is used to simply gain the attention of a dog and help them focus on the task at hand.
Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective.
A dog owner playing with his german shepard, learn more about our Essex County classical conditioning dog trainers.

Essex County Classical Conditioning Dog Trainers

Positive Reinforcement Vs. Punishment

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Traditional dog training methods rely on punishment for errors and “low value” rewards, such as praise or petting, when a dog performs a desired behavior. Dog Training Elite North Shore never resorts to punishing a dog to make them unlearn bad behavior.

Using punishment as a tool can actually backfire. For example: punishing a dog for going to the bathroom inside a house won’t teach them to go outside instead. Often, the dog only understands that the mess makes their owner mad. Instead of going outside, the dog is likely to continue to make messes indoors - but where the owner can’t find them.

Research shows that focusing on positive reinforcement when a desired behavior occurs and not worrying about correcting bad behavior in dogs is more effective and has longer-lasting results. The difference between a dog who has been exposed to dog training techniques used to obey out of fear vs. a dog who learns to obey through a positive, loving bond with their owner is huge.

Positive reinforcement works with dogs because they are inherently eager to please. Rewarding your dog for good behavior as you work with a Dog Training Elite in Essex County, MA trainer to help your dog be more obedient will help you create a deep, loving relationship with your dog built on trust.

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Dog Training Elite North Shore - Positive Reinforcement Dog Training in Essex County, MA

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A women playing with her service dog in Essex County, MA.

The Dog Training Elite North Shore Difference


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Dog Training Elite in Essex County, MA uses modern dog training techniques and methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding you and your dog. Dog Training Elite North Shore trainers never resort to punishment to help dogs unlearn behaviors.

Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Dog Training Elite North Shore’s method of focusing on positive behavior reinforcement nurtures a dog's loving and naturally obedient nature.

After proper conditioning and working with Dog Training Elite in Essex County, MA, when you say “sit,” your dog will automatically sit without thinking about it. The unique techniques of Dog Training Elite North Shore ensure training is a success no matter what your dog’s behavior.

Get started training your dog today. Find a trainer near you and schedule a free in-home consultation!

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You and your canine companion really can have it all. See how easy it can be to become a member of the elite pup society by requesting a free consultation today!

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Hear From Our Customers

Learn Why Dog owners choose Dog Training Elite

  • B Day
    Nov. 18, 2025
    Dog Training Elite is awesome! The trainers are super friendly and really know what they’re doing. My dog listened better after just a few sessions, and they showed me how to keep the training going at home. I’m really happy with the results and would definitely recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone who wants a well-behaved dog.
  • The Icy Joker
    Nov. 18, 2025
    I called Dog Training Elite and they were more than happy to help out almost immediately I've had my dog training with them and it has made a world of a difference I can tell they really take time with the animals and care for them just as much as I do! I will be recommending Dog Training Elite to everyone I know!
  • DRBlaster
    Nov. 15, 2025
    Marcus is a really great trainer. We learned a lot and enjoyed our first inside a store class. Hopefully we get to see him in a group class. Thank you!
  • Michael Smith
    Nov. 15, 2025
    Our dog is learning quickly and we are learning how to do the training to cement the lessons
  • Amy Sim
    Nov. 6, 2025
    Very knowledgeable and super nice!!!
  • Samantha Harrington
    Nov. 6, 2025
    Marcus from dog elite training is amazing. He loves his job and what he does and that shows. We are currently training my young daughters diabetic alert dog an he does a great job including her and letting her be the one working the dog. We are so happy to be working with Marcus and can’t wait to see the end results with our dog.
  • Laura Johnson
    Nov. 3, 2025
    Marcus came out and showed us different things to help, went over so much in detail. Definitely makes me want to get on board with the training for layla. He made sure we had no questions or anything. Was very soft spoken and patient with her as she didn’t want anything. Was very gentle with her and for her to be comfortable with anyone that fast says a lot.
  • Tricia
    Nov. 1, 2025
    Great meet and greet with Marcus. Can’t wait to start training. Gave us a wealth of information and made us feel confident in the upcoming training.
  • Gio Krozel
    Oct. 31, 2025
    First puppy platinum class for my 11 week pom and she / I are already learning some fundamentals of bonding, beyond the organic. Thanks Patrick, she passed out after class btw :-)
  • Penny Sokolowski
    Oct. 30, 2025
    Patrick listen to my concerns and opinions and gave additional advice on how best to train out Zeus.
  • Christina Traficanti
    Oct. 22, 2025
    Pat was great!
  • joel ortega
    Oct. 9, 2025
    Excellent visit, he is very professional, and really good with the fur babies. I cant wait to work with him.
  • GARY WALLACE
    Sep. 10, 2025
    Another productive day of training with Simon and Marcus. Best session yet. Both Simon and I are making lots of progress. Thank you Dog Training Elite
  • Lori Ostiguy
    Oct. 3, 2025
    We had our initial visit and I am so happy, Patrick is a great trainer and I can’t wait to do more training.
  • Matt Leigh
    Sep. 19, 2025
    Excellent & thorough.
  • IRENE Butler
    Sep. 15, 2025
    Marcus always does an amazing job working with my dog. He has a very calm, knowledgeable way of interacting with all of the dogs and their owners. My dog is definitely a work in progress and they have been more than willing to help me with my problems, for which I am truly thankful for all you’ve done thank you very much.
  • Daniel Henning (Callmelax)
    Aug. 22, 2025
    Patrick was amazing we really look forward to working with him in the future
  • Stephanie Seminara
    Aug. 18, 2025
    Very professional and positive! Great dog handling, gave great hints and was very encouraging.
  • Alaina Magnuson
    Jul. 24, 2025
    Marcus was great! - Very knowledgeable and experienced trainer to work with. My dog has come a long way since working with Dog Training Elite. Highly recommend!
  • Erica Petrillo
    Jul. 23, 2025
    Marcus was great with my puppy and I can’t wait to start this training.